Dispenser adapted to engage a bottle and for use with consumable fluid having solid ingredients

ABSTRACT

A dispenser adapted for use with thick salad dressing or other consumable fluid which may have large solid ingredients therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/199,597, filed on Mar. 6, 2014, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,944,293,which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/667,771, filed on Nov. 2, 2013, now abandoned, which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/484,481, filed onJun. 15, 2009, now abandoned, the disclosures of which are expresslyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to dispensers and, morespecifically, to a dispenser adapted for use with thick consumablefluids that may include solid ingredients too large for use withconventional dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typical dispensers are used to pour alcohol and other low viscosityfluids from bottles. However, thick fluids tend not to work withconventional dispensers as the fluid tends to clog portions of thedispenser mechanism. This problem is further exacerbated when the fluidhas larger solid particles therein that tend to completely obstructfluid flow through conventional dispensers.

It may be advantageous to provide a dispenser that is preferably adaptedto be used with thicker fluids, that can preferably transfer fluidscontaining large solid particles; that is easy to use; and thatpreferably is ergonomically designed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly speaking, one preferred embodiment of the present invention isdirected to a dispenser adapted for use with thick salad dressing havingsolid ingredients therein. The dispenser includes a dispenser bodydefining a hopper adapted to hold a predetermined amount of saladdressing. A collar is engaged with the dispenser body and is adapted tosecure the dispenser to a bottle. A membrane is located on the dispenserbody and is positioned to be inside of the bottle when the collar issecured to the bottle. The membrane is adapted to allow flowtherethrough from the bottle to the hopper, but not from the hopper tothe bottle, of salad dressing having solid ingredients with a largestdimension of up to at least one quarter of an inch while allowing thesolid ingredients to transport through the membrane and into the hopper.The dispenser is adapted to allow dispensing of the salad dressing inthe predetermined amount from the hopper.

In a separate aspect, one embodiment of the present invention isdirected to a dispenser adapted for use with thick salad dressing havingsolid ingredients therein. The dispenser including a dispenser bodydefining a hopper adapted to hold a predetermined amount of saladdressing. The hopper having a first hopper end adapted to be locateddistally from the bottle. The first hopper end having a generally ovalshape. The dispenser flaring generally conically outwardly from thebottle to create at least a portion of a hand grip adapted to facilitatepouring salad dressing from the hopper. A collar is engaged with thedispenser body and adapted to secure the dispenser to a bottle. Thecollar has first and second collar ends. At least a portion of thehopper is located on the first collar end so that the at least a portionof the hopper is located outside of the bottle when the dispenser isattached thereto. The hopper further comprises a tube that extendsthrough the collar and is adapted to be located within the bottle whenthe dispenser is attached thereto. The tube has an inner surfacedefining a channel. A membrane is located on the dispenser body and ispositioned to be inside of the bottle when the collar is secured to thebottle. The membrane is adapted to allow flow therethrough from thebottle to the hopper, but not from the hopper to the bottle, of saladdressing having solid ingredients with a largest dimension of up to atleast one quarter of an inch while allowing the solid ingredients totransport through the membrane and into the hopper. The membrane, whenin a closed position, is generally convex such that an apex extendsinside the hopper. The membrane has a generally circular shape formed bya plurality flaps joined together to form a circumference of themembrane. The dispenser is adapted to allow dispensing of the saladdressing including the solid ingredients in the predetermined amountfrom the hopper.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a dispenseradapted for use with thick consumable fluids having solid ingredientstherein. The dispenser includes a dispenser body defining a hopperadapted to hold a predetermined amount of consumable fluid. The hopperhas a first hopper end adapted to be located distally from the bottle.The first hopper end having a generally oval shape. A collar is engagedwith the dispenser body and is adapted to secure the dispenser to abottle. The collar has first and second collar ends. At least a portionof the hopper is located on the first collar end so that the at least aportion of the hopper is located outside of the bottle when thedispenser is attached thereto. The hopper further comprises a tube thatextends through the collar and is adapted to be located within thebottle when the dispenser is attached thereto. The dispenser body flaresgenerally conically outwardly from the bottle to create at least aportion of a hand grip adapted to facilitate pouring salad dressing fromthe hopper. The tube defines a channel along an inner surface. Amembrane is located on the dispenser body and is positioned to be insideof the bottle when the collar is secured to the bottle. The membrane isadapted to allow flow therethrough from the bottle to the hopper, butnot from the hopper to the bottle, of consumable fluid having solidingredients with a largest dimension of up to at least one quarter of aninch while allowing the solid ingredients to transport through themembrane and into the hopper. The membrane, when in a closed position,is generally convex such that an apex extends inside the hopper. Themembrane has first and second membrane sides. The first membrane sidehaving a lip positioned along the perimeter. The membrane has agenerally circular shape formed by a plurality flaps joined together toform a circumference of the membrane. A ring is positioned against thesecond membrane side to secure the membrane within the channel in thetube of the hopper of the dispenser body. The dispenser is adapted toallow dispensing of the consumable fluid including the solid ingredientsin the predetermined amount from the hopper.

In another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directedto a dispenser adapted for use with thick salad dressing having solidingredients therein. The dispenser includes a dispenser body defining ahopper adapted to hold a predetermined amount of salad dressing. Thehopper defines a first hole therethrough. A collar is engaged with thedispenser body and is adapted to secure the dispenser to a bottle. Thecollar includes a sheath for receiving at least part of the hopper. Thesheath defining a second hole therethrough. The hopper is moveable,relative to the collar, between a first hopper position, in which thefirst and second holes are not aligned and the salad dressing cannotpass between the bottle and the hopper, and a second hopper position, inwhich the first and second holes are aligned to allow salad dressing topass between the bottle and the hopper. The dispenser is adapted toallow dispensing of the salad dressing including the solid ingredientsin the predetermined amount from the hopper. The dispenser is preferablynot suitable for preventing the passage of alcoholic beveragestherethrough from the hopper back to the bottle when an attached bottleis shaken.

In a separate aspect, one embodiment of the present invention isdirected to a dispenser adapted for use with consumable fluid which mayhave solid ingredients therein. The dispenser includes a dispenser bodydefining a hopper adapted to hold a predetermined amount of consumablefluid. A collar is engaged with the dispenser body and is adapted tosecure the dispenser to a bottle. A membrane is located on the dispenserbody and is positioned to be inside of the bottle when the collar issecured to the bottle. The membrane is adapted to allow flowtherethrough from the bottle to the hopper, but not from the hopper tothe bottle, of consumable fluid. The dispenser is adapted to allowdispensing of the consumable fluid in the predetermined amount from thehopper.

In another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directedto a dispenser adapted for use with consumable fluid. The dispenserincludes a dispenser body defining a hopper adapted to hold apredetermined amount of consumable fluid. The hopper defines a firsthole therethrough. A collar is engaged with the dispenser body and isadapted to secure the dispenser to a bottle. The collar includes asheath for receiving at least part of the hopper. The sheath defining asecond hole therethrough. The hopper is moveable, relative to thecollar, between a first hopper position, in which the first and secondholes are not aligned and the consumable fluid cannot pass between thebottle and the hopper, and a second hopper position, in which the firstand second holes are aligned to allow consumable fluid to pass betweenthe bottle and the hopper. The dispenser is adapted to allow dispensingof consumable fluid in the predetermined amount from the hopper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments of the present invention will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. Forpurposes of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings,embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however,that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention; The dispenser includes a dispenserbody that defines a hopper which preferably flares generally outwardlyfrom the top of the bottle; The dispenser body is adapted to bepreferably secured to the bottle via a collar; A lid may be attached tothe top of the hopper via a snap fit connection of the like;

FIG. 1A is a schematic showing an exemplary solid ingredient which maybe transported from a bottle, into the hopper of the dispenser, andlater dispensed as part of a predetermined amount of consumable fluid;Various dimensions of the solid ingredient are shown as well as thelargest dimension; While one exemplary shape is shown, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the solidingredient can have any shape and/or configuration without departingfrom the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1illustrating the hopper being configured to include a tube thatpreferably extends into the bottle;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 with the lidremoved; the inner surface of the hopper preferably includes markings toallow one of multiple different predetermined amounts of consumablefluid to be dispensed from the hopper; The top of the hopper preferablyhas a generally oval shape which may be formed by two short straitsegments connected by two arcuate segments; those of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate from this disclosure that the mouth of thehopper can have any shape without departing from the scope of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the dispenser of FIG. 1; The tube of thehopper preferably defines a channel which receives the membrane; Themembrane can be secured in position by a ring; Alternatively, themembrane may be located on the dispenser body and positioned to beinside of the bottle when the collar is secured to the bottle; Themembrane can be adapted to allow flow therethrough from the bottle tothe hopper, but not from the hopper to the bottle, of consumable fluidhaving solid ingredients with a largest dimension of up to anywhere fromone sixty fourth of an inch to one inch while allowing the solidingredients to transport through the membrane and into the hopper; thoseof ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure thatthe membrane can be configured to operate with solid ingredients of anysize without departing from the scope of the present invention; themembrane, when in a closed position, is preferably generally convex suchthat an apex extends inside the hopper; The membrane can have first andsecond membrane sides; The first membrane side may have a lip positionedalong the perimeter; The membrane may have a generally circular shapeformed by a plurality flaps joined together to form a circumference ofthe membrane;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a the dispenser of FIG. 1 as takenalong the line 5-5 of FIG. 1 illustrating the membrane forming a concavebend when viewed from the inside of the hopper; The dispenser bottle ispreferably secured to the collar by a rotatable connection formed by theengagement of a dispenser body circumferential lip with a collar groove;bottle of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 as takenalong the line 6-6 in FIG. 5 illustrating the membrane in the closedposition;

FIG. 7 is a radial cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1illustrating the flow of consumable fluid from the bottle into thehopper; Lateral arrows show force resulting from a squeeze action on thebottle and the generally vertical arrows show the flow of consumablefluid; The flaps of the membrane are shown in the open position whichallows consumable fluid and any entrained solid ingredients to move intothe hopper;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating that in one embodiment,the bottle may be maintained in a partially squeezed configuration afterthe membrane has closed and then tilted to pour out the contents fromthe hopper;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the hopper according to anotherpreferred embodiment illustrating that at least some of the dispenserbody is at least one of translucent and transparent, the at least someof the dispenser body being adapted to facilitate comparing an amount ofsalad dressing in the hopper with the plurality of markings;

FIG. 10 is an upside down view of one embodiment of the dispensershowing the membrane having a concave shape, as viewed from the hopper,when in the closed position; The membrane can have first and secondmembrane sides; The first membrane side may have a lip positioned alongthe perimeter; A ring can be positioned against the second membrane sideto secure the membrane within a channel in the tube of the hopper of thedispenser body;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the dispensershowing the membrane having a convex shape, as viewed from the hopper,when in the closed position; The membrane may have first and secondmembrane sides, the first membrane side can have a lip positioned alongthe perimeter; A ring may be positioned against the second membrane sideto secure the membrane within a channel in the tube of the hopper of thedispenser body; those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate fromthis disclosure that the membrane can have any shape, curvature, or lackcurvature when viewed in a fashion similar to that shown in FIG. 11without departing from the scope of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is front elevational view of a dispenser similar to that of FIG.11 with a vent preferably between the hopper and an interior of thebottle to establish a fluid passageway therebetween separate from themembrane that may be adapted to allow air to enter the bottle aftersalad dressing has been driven from the bottle, through the membrane,and into the hopper; The vent may include a check valve to allow airflow into the bottle only;

FIG. 13 is front elevational view of a dispenser similar to that of FIG.7 with a vent preferably between the hopper and an exterior of thebottle to establish a fluid passageway therebetween separate from themembrane that is adapted to allow air to enter the bottle after saladdressing (or other consumable fluid) has been driven from the bottle,through the membrane, and into the hopper; The fluid passageway mayextend from the bottle, through the dispenser body, and to the exteriorof the both the dispenser and the bottle; The vent may include a checkvalve to allow air flow into the bottle only; While multiple ventconfigurations are disclosed in this application, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that that any typeof vent can be used with the dispenser and/or dispenser and bottle ofthe present invention without departing from the scope of the presentinvention; Lateral arrows show force resulting from a squeeze action onthe bottle and the generally vertical arrows show the flow of consumablefluid; The flaps of the membrane are shown in the open position whichallows consumable fluid and any entrained solid ingredients to move intothe hopper; During the expelling of consumable fluid from the bottle thecheck valve is positioned in a closed position that prevents airflowtherethrough;

FIG. 14 is front elevational view of a dispenser similar to that of FIG.13 with a vent preferably between the hopper and an exterior of thebottle to establish a fluid passageway therebetween separate from themembrane that is adapted to allow air to enter the bottle after saladdressing (or other consumable fluid) has been driven from the bottle,through the membrane, and into the hopper; Lateral arrows show forceresulting from an expansion action on the bottle and the downwardlypointed vertical arrows show the flow of air into the bottle via thevent to help prevent backflow of consumable fluid into the bottle fromthe hopper; The flaps of the membrane are shown in the closed positionto secure consumable fluid and any entrained solid ingredients in thehopper; During the expansion action, the intake of air is possible dueto the check valve being in an open configuration;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of thedispenser of the present invention; Protruding into the neck of thebottle is preferably a sheath that is part of the collar; The sheath isadapted to receive a part of the dispenser body therein;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 15 with the lidremoved; The hopper may define a first hole therethrough;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 15illustrating a collar engaged with the dispenser body and adapted tosecure the dispenser to a bottle; The collar may include a sheath forreceiving at least part of the hopper; The sheath can define a secondhole therethrough; The hopper is preferably moveable, relative to thecollar, between a first hopper position (shown in FIG. 17), in which thefirst and second holes are not aligned and the salad dressing cannotpass between the bottle and the hopper, and a second hopper position(shown in FIGS. 20 and 22), in which the first and second holes arealigned to allow salad dressing to pass between the bottle and thehopper; The dispenser is adapted to allow dispensing of the saladdressing including the solid ingredients in the predetermined amountfrom the hopper;

FIG. 18 is a second perspective of the dispenser of FIG. 15 showing thehopper rotated to allow flow of consumable fluid therein from thebottle;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross section view of the dispenser of FIG. 18showing the hopper preferably rotatably seated in the collar sheath; Thecollar sheath defining a second hole that is aligned with the hopper'sfirst hole to allow consumable beverage to flow therebetween; Thegenerally vertical arrows show the upwards flow of consumable fluid fromthe bottle into the hopper;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the hopper and collar of the dispenser ofFIG. 15; The sheath of the collar preferably has a base that defines thesecond hole, a slot, and a bore; A pair of prongs may be located on thebottom of the hopper that are configured to engage the sheath bore; Theprongs may be separated by a gap to allow the prongs to deform intocloser proximity as the prongs beveled edges contact the edges of thesheath bore; This may result in the prongs moving together while thehopper is being inserted into the sheath and then snapping back intoposition once the hopper is fully inserted to form a rotatableconnection between the hopper and the collar; A guide post can belocated on the bottom of the hopper tube to engage the slot and guidethe rotation of the hopper in the collar;

FIG. 22, is a radial cross-sectional view of a dispenser similar to thatof FIG. 15 with a vent attached; Lateral arrows show force resultingfrom a squeeze action on the bottle and the generally vertical arrowsshow the flow of consumable fluid through the generally aligned firstand second holes; During the expelling of consumable fluid from thebottle the check valve is positioned in a closed position with the baseof the vent shaft sealed by a portion of the sheath to prevent airflowtherethrough; and

FIG. 23, is a radial cross-sectional view of a dispenser similar to thatof FIG. 15 with a vent attached; Lateral arrows show force resultingfrom an expansion action on the bottle and the downwardly pointedvertical arrows show the flow of air into the bottle via the vent tohelp prevent backflow of consumable fluid into the bottle from thehopper; The first and second holes are not aligned to secure consumablefluid and any entrained solid ingredients in the hopper; During theexpansion action, the intake of air is possible due to bottom of thevent being aligned with an air hole in the sheath.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “upper,” and“lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made.The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the geometric center of the system for use with aconsumable beverage and designated parts thereof. The term “consumablefluid”, as used in the claims and the relevant portions means, “anyfluid suited for consumption such as yogurt, salad dressing, jam,toppings, etc.” It is understood that when used in the “DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiment” section, the term “saladdressing” means “salad dressing or other consumable fluid”. The language“at least one of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’,” as used in the claims and incorresponding portions of the specification, means “any group having atleast one ‘A’; or any group having at least one ‘B’; or any group havingat least one ‘C’;—and does require that a group have at least one ofeach of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’.” Additionally, the words “a” and “one” aredefined as including one or more of the referenced item unlessspecifically stated otherwise. The terminology includes the words abovespecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similarimport.

Referring to FIGS. 1-23, wherein like numerals indicate like elementsthroughout, preferred embodiments of a dispenser are shown and generallydesignated as 30. Briefly stated, the dispenser of the present inventionis preferably adapted for use with thicker consumable fluids havinglarge solid ingredients, such as salad dressings.

While the drawings show threaded or snap fit connections, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that anyother known suitable connection mechanism, such as a fastener, frictionfit, snap fit, or the like can be used with any of the connections inthe dispenser 30 without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Alternatively, the dispenser body 32 and the collar 80 can bea single integral component. Additionally, the dispenser 30 can be usedwith one of multiple interchangeable hoppers 34 if so desired.

The dispenser 30 and its component parts are preferably formed from asturdy, non-reactive, durable, food grade material, such as a suitablepolymer. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatefrom this disclosure that the dispenser 30 and its various componentscan be formed from any materials suitable for use with consumablefluids.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, a dispenser 30 is preferably adapted for usewith thick salad dressing (or other consumable fluids) 60 having solidingredients therein. Referring to FIG. 3, a dispenser body 32 can definea hopper 34 adapted to hold a predetermined amount of salad dressing 60.A plurality of markings 116 may be located on the hopper 34. Themarkings are preferably adapted to allow one of a plurality of differentpredetermined amounts of salad dressing 60 to be secured in the hopper34. It is preferred that the hopper hold a maximum of two tablespoons.However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from thisdisclosure that the hopper can be sized to hold any amount(s) ofconsumable fluid without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a lid 78 may be engaged over the dispenserhopper 34. The lid is preferably secured to a shoulder 44 formedproximate to the top of the dispenser body 32.

Referring to FIG. 7, it is preferred, but not necessary, that at leastsome 120 of the dispenser body 32 is at least one of translucent andtransparent. The at least some 120 of the dispenser body 32 may beadapted to facilitate comparing an amount of salad dressing 60 in thehopper with the plurality of markings 116.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the top of the hopper 34 preferably has agenerally oval shape 38. The oval shape can be formed by short straightsegments 40 of the upper hopper edge connected by two arcuate segments42 of the upper hopper edge. Those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate from this disclosure that the mouth of the hopper 34 can haveany shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a collar 80 may be engaged with thedispenser body 32 and can be adapted to secure the dispenser 30 to abottle 58. The collar 80 preferably has first and second collar ends88A, 88B. At least a portion of the hopper 34 can be located on thefirst collar end 88A so that the at least a portion of the hopper 34 islocated outside of the bottle 58 when the dispenser 30 is attachedthereto. The hopper may further comprise a tube 52 that extends throughthe collar 80 and is adapted to be located within the bottle 58 when thedispenser 30 is attached thereto. The dispenser body 32 can be rotatablyconnected to the collar 80 and can be adapted to be rotatable while thecollar 80 is secured to the bottle 58. It is preferred that the collartube 52 is inserted through an annular ring section 90 of the collar 80.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 the dispenser body may have a circumferentiallip 86 that extends downwardly from below the outwardly flared section48 of the dispenser. the circumferential lip 86 may engage a groove 84in the upper portion of the collar 80.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, a membrane 92 may be located on thedispenser body 32 and positioned to be inside of the bottle 58 when thecollar 80 is secured to the bottle 58. Referring to FIG. 8 theconnection between the collar 80 and the bottle 58 is preferablythreaded. Referring to FIG. 4, at least one thread 74 on the bottle ispreferably configured to engage at least one collar thread 82. It ispreferred that when the collar 80 is engaged with the bottle 58, thatthe collar 80 is positioned over the upper edge 72 of the bottle mouth68 with a portion of the hopper 34 possibly extending into the neck 76of the bottle 58.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, a membrane 92 is preferably adapted toallow flow therethrough from inside 70 the 58 bottle to the hopper 34,but not from the hopper 34 to the bottle 58, of salad dressing 60 (orother consumable fluid) having solid ingredients 62 with a largestdimension 66 of up to at least one inch. It is preferred that thelargest dimension 66 be anywhere from one sixty fourth of an inch andone inch. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatefrom this disclosure that the dispenser can be configured to accommodatesolid ingredients 62 of any size without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 1A, one exemplary solid ingredient is shown havingmultiple dimensions 64 and one largest dimension 66. While one preferredshape is shown, any shape or configuration of solid ingredient 62 can beused with the dispenser 30 of the present invention without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

It is preferred that the membrane 92 is adapted to allow flowtherethrough from inside 70 the 58 bottle to the hopper 34, but not fromthe hopper 34 to the bottle 58, of salad dressing 60 (or otherconsumable fluid) having solid ingredients 62 with a largest dimension66 of up to one quarter of an inch while allowing the solid ingredients62 to transport through the membrane 92 and into the hopper 34.Alternatively, the membrane 92 may be configured to accommodate solidingredients 62 having a largest dimension 66 of up to three eighths ofan inch. In another embodiment, the membrane 92 may be configured toaccommodate solid ingredients 62 having a largest dimension 66 of up tohalf an inch. Alternatively still, the membrane 92 may be configured toaccommodate solid ingredients 62 having a largest dimension 66 of up tothree quarters of an inch.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, the membrane 92, when in a closed position(shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 14), is generally convex 94 such that anapex 108 extends inside the hopper 34. The membrane 92 is adapted toallow solid ingredients 62 entrained in salad dressing 60 to passtherethrough and into the hopper 34. Referring to FIG. 4, the membrane92 preferably has a generally circular shape 98 formed by a pluralityflaps 100 joined together to form a circumference 112 of the membrane92.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the hopper 34 can have a first hopper end36A adapted to be located distally 114 from the bottle 58. The firsthopper end 36A may have a generally oval shape 38. The dispenser 30preferably flaring generally conically outwardly 48 from the bottle 58to create at least a portion of a hand grip 46 adapted to facilitatepouring 58 salad dressing (shown in FIG. 8) from the hopper 34. It ispreferred that the outward flare 48 allows a user to place a portion ofthe conical section between a thumb and adjacent finger to rest on aside of the hand opposite from the palm. This significantly simplifiespouring in an ergonomic fashion. While a preferred configuration for theportion of the handle 46 is shown, those of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate from this disclosure that the handle portion 46 can haveany shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 13, the membrane 19 may be adapted to allowsolid ingredients 62 entrained in salad dressing 60 to pass therethroughand into the hopper 34. At least one embodiment of the membrane 92 ispreferably not suitable for preventing the passage of alcoholicbeverages therethrough from the hopper 34 back to the bottle 58. Thiscan result in alcohol flowing back through the membrane 92 into thebottle 58 when the liquid is allowed to stand or when the dispenserand/or bottle are moved.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 12, the membrane 92 preferably has first andsecond membrane sides 102A, 102B. The first membrane side 102A may havea lip 104 positioned along the perimeter. A ring 106 can be positionedagainst the second membrane side 102B to secure the membrane 92 within achannel 54 defined by an inner surface 56 of the tube 52 of the hopper34 of the dispenser body 32. The dispenser 30 is preferably adapted toallow dispensing of the salad dressing 60 including large solidingredients in the predetermined amount from the hopper. Referring toFIG. 10, the dispenser may include a membrane 92 having a generallyconcave shape 96, as viewed from the hopper, when in the closedposition. Referring to FIG. 9, the hopper 34 may have at least some 120of the dispenser body 32 formed by at least one of translucent andtransparent material.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a vent 124 may be located between thehopper 34 and an interior 70 of the bottle 58 to establish a fluidpassageway 126 therebetween separate from the membrane 92 that isadapted to allow air to enter the bottle after salad dressing 60 hasbeen driven from the bottle 58, through the membrane 92, and into thehopper 34. The vent 124 may include a check valve 128. Alternatively,the vent 124 may be located between the bottle 58 and an exterior of thebottle to establish a fluid passageway 126 therebetween separate fromthe membrane 92.

Referring specifically to FIG. 13, the vent 124 is preferably betweenthe hopper 34 and an exterior of the bottle to establish a fluidpassageway 126 therebetween separate from the membrane that is adaptedto allow air to enter the bottle after salad dressing 60 (or otherconsumable fluid) has been driven from the bottle. While multiple ventconfigurations are disclosed in this application, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that that any typeof vent can be used with the dispenser and/or dispenser and bottle ofthe present invention without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Lateral arrows 130 show force resulting from a squeeze actionon the bottle and the generally vertical arrows 132 show the flow ofconsumable fluid 60. The flaps 100 of the membrane 92 are shown in theopen position which preferably allows consumable fluid 60 and anyentrained solid ingredients 62 to move into the hopper 34. During theexpelling of consumable fluid 60 from the bottle 58 the check valve 128is positioned in a closed position 138 that prevents airflowtherethrough.

Referring specifically to FIG. 14, a vent 124 may extend from the bottlethrough the hopper to exterior of the bottle and dispenser to establisha fluid passageway 126 therebetween separate from the membrane 92 thatis adapted to allow air to enter the bottle after salad dressing (orother consumable fluid) 60 has been driven from the bottle. Lateralarrows 134 show force resulting from an expansion action on the bottleand the downwardly pointed vertical arrows 136 show the flow of air intothe bottle via the vent 124 to help prevent backflow of consumable fluid60 into the bottle 58 from the hopper 34. The flaps 100 of the membrane92 are shown in the closed position to secure consumable fluid 60 andany entrained solid ingredients 62 in the hopper 34. During theexpansion action, the intake of air is possible due to the check valve128 being in an open configuration 140.

Referring to FIGS. 15-23, anther embodiment of the dispenser 30 is shownand adapted for use with thick salad dressing (or consumable fluid) 60which may have solid ingredients 62 therein. The dispenser body 30 candefine a hopper 34 adapted to hold a predetermined amount of saladdressing 60. The hopper preferably defines a first hole 144therethrough.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 21, a collar 80 may be engaged with thedispenser body 32 and adapted to secure the dispenser 30 to a bottle 58.The collar can include a sheath 142 for receiving at least part of thehopper 34. The sheath 142 preferably defines a second hole 146therethrough. The sheath can also define a bore 158 and the hopper mayinclude a pair of prongs 152 adapted for insertion into the bore 158 tosecure the hopper 34 to the sheath 142 while still allowing rotationtherebetween. The gap 156 between the prongs 152 allows the prongs 152to displace toward each other when their beveled edges 154 contact theedges of the bore 158 during insertion. Once inserted past the sheath142, the prong 152 ends move outwardly to form a rotatable connection122 between the hopper 34 and the collar 80.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 20, the first and second holes 144, 146 arepreferably positioned to be generally perpendicular to a longitudinalaxis 164 (shown in FIG. 23) of the bottle 58. The hopper 34 ispreferably adapted to rotate generally about the longitudinal axis 164of the bottle when the hopper 34 is moved between the first and secondpositions. A guide post 150 can be located on the hopper and may beadapted to engage a slot 148 defined by the sheath 142. The combinationof the slot 148 and guide post 150 may be adapted to guide the rotationof the hopper 34.

It is preferred that the hopper 34 is moveable, relative to the collar80, between a first hopper position (shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 23), inwhich the first and second holes 144, 146 are not aligned and the saladdressing 60 cannot pass between the bottle 58 and the hopper 34, and asecond hopper position (shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 22), in which thefirst and second holes 144, 146 are aligned to allow salad dressing topass between the bottle and the hopper wherein the dispenser is adaptedto allow dispensing of the salad dressing 60 (or other consumable fluid)including the solid ingredients 62 in the predetermined amount from thehopper 34. In some embodiments, the dispenser may not be suitable forpreventing the passage of alcoholic beverages therethrough from thehopper 34 back to the bottle 58 when the bottle is shaken.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, a vent 124 may be included that is adaptedto let air enter the bottle 58 when the hopper is in the first hopperposition. Referring specifically to FIG. 22, lateral arrows 130 showforce resulting from a squeeze action on the bottle 58 and the generallyvertical arrows 132 show the flow of consumable fluid 60 through thegenerally aligned first and second holes 144, 146. During the expellingof consumable fluid 60 from the bottle the vent 124 is positioned in aclosed position with the base of the vent shaft sealed by a portion ofthe sheath 142 to prevent airflow therethrough.

Referring specifically to FIG. 23, lateral arrows 134 show forceresulting from an expansion action on the bottle 58 and the downwardlypointed vertical arrows 136 show the flow of air into the bottle 58 viathe vent 124 to help prevent backflow of consumable fluid 60 into thebottle 58 from the hopper 34. The first and second holes 144, 146 arenot aligned which then results in securing the consumable fluid 60 andany entrained solid ingredients 62 in the hopper 34. During theexpansion action of the bottle, the intake of air is possible due tobottom of the vent 124 being aligned with an air hole 160 in the sheath142.

It is recognized by those skilled in the art, that changes may be madeto the above described embodiment of the invention without departingfrom the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, any of theconnections between components of the dispenser described above can beinterchanged with any one of a twist-lock connection, a friction fit, asnap fit, a ball and detent, an interlock, a magnetic connection, athreaded connection, or any other suitable connection without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. It is understood, therefore,that this invention is not limited to the particular embodimentdisclosed, but is intended to cover to all modifications which arewithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims and the drawings.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications andother references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated hereinin their entireties by reference.

1. A dispenser adapted for use with thick salad dressing having solidingredients therein, comprising: a dispenser body defining a hopperadapted to hold a predetermined amount of salad dressing; a collarengaged with the dispenser body and adapted to secure the dispenser to abottle; a membrane located on the dispenser body and positioned to beinside of the bottle when the collar is secured to the bottle, themembrane being adapted to allow flow therethrough from the bottle to thehopper, but not from the hopper to the bottle, of salad dressing havingsolid ingredients with a largest dimension of up to at least one quarterof an inch while allowing the solid ingredients to transport through themembrane and into the hopper; wherein the dispenser is adapted to allowdispensing of the salad dressing including the solid ingredients in thepredetermined amount from the hopper.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1,wherein the membrane, when in a closed position, is generally convexsuch that an apex extends inside the hopper.
 3. The dispenser of claim2, wherein the collar has first and second collar ends, at least aportion of the hopper is located on the first collar end so that the atleast a portion of the hopper is located outside of the bottle when thedispenser is attached thereto, the hopper further comprising a tube thatextends through the collar and is adapted to be located within thebottle when the dispenser is attached thereto.
 4. The dispenser of claim3, wherein the membrane is adapted to allow solid ingredients entrainedin salad dressing to pass therethrough and into the hopper, the membranebeing adapted to allow flow therethrough of salad dressing having solidingredients with the largest dimension of up to at least one half of aninch.
 5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the membrane has a generallycircular shape formed by a plurality flaps joined together to form acircumference of the membrane, the hopper having a first hopper endadapted to be located distally from the bottle, the first hopper endhaving a generally oval shape, the dispenser flaring generally conicallyoutwardly from the bottle to create at least a portion of a hand gripadapted to facilitate pouring salad dressing from the hopper.
 6. Thedispenser of claim 3, wherein the membrane is adapted to allow solidingredients entrained in salad dressing to pass therethrough and intothe hopper, the membrane being adapted to allow flow therethrough ofsalad dressing having solid ingredients with the maximum dimension of upto at least three eighths of an inch, the membrane not being suitablefor preventing the passage of alcoholic beverages therethrough from thehopper back to the bottle.
 7. The dispenser of claim 6, furthercomprising a plurality of markings located on the hopper, the pluralityof markings being adapted to allow one of a plurality of differentpredetermined amounts of salad dressing to be secured in the hopper. 8.The dispenser of claim 7, wherein at least some of the dispenser body isat least one of translucent and transparent, the at least some of thedispenser body being adapted to facilitate comparing an amount of saladdressing in the hopper with the plurality of markings.
 9. The dispenserof claim 3, wherein the dispenser body is rotatably connected to thecollar and adapted to be rotatable while the collar is secured to thebottle.
 10. The dispenser of claim 3, further comprising a vent betweenthe hopper and an interior of the bottle to establish a fluid passagewaytherebetween separate from the membrane that is adapted to allow air toenter the bottle after salad dressing has been driven from the bottle,through the membrane, and into the hopper.
 11. The dispenser of claim10, wherein the vent comprises a check valve.
 12. The dispenser of claim3, further comprising a vent between the hopper and an exterior of thebottle to establish a fluid passageway therebetween separate from themembrane that is adapted to allow air to enter the bottle after saladdressing has been driven from the bottle, through the membrane, and intothe hopper, the fluid passageway extending from the bottle, through thedispenser body, and to the exterior of the both the dispenser and thebottle.
 13. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the membrane has first andsecond membrane sides, the first membrane side having a lip positionedalong the perimeter, a ring being positioned against the second membraneside to secure the membrane within a channel in the tube of the hopperof the dispenser body.
 14. A dispenser adapted for use with thick saladdressing having solid ingredients therein, comprising: a dispenser bodydefining a hopper adapted to hold a predetermined amount of saladdressing, the hopper having a first hopper end adapted to be locateddistally from the bottle, the first hopper end having a generally ovalshape, the dispenser flaring generally conically outwardly from thebottle to create at least a portion of a hand grip adapted to facilitatepouring salad dressing from the hopper; a collar engaged with thedispenser body and adapted to secure the dispenser to a bottle, thecollar has first and second collar ends, at least a portion of thehopper is located on the first collar end so that the at least a portionof the hopper is located outside of the bottle when the dispenser isattached thereto; the hopper further comprises a tube that extendsthrough the collar and is adapted to be located within the bottle whenthe dispenser is attached thereto, the tube having an inner surfacedefining a channel; a membrane located on the dispenser body andpositioned to be inside of the bottle when the collar is secured to thebottle, the membrane being adapted to allow flow therethrough from thebottle to the hopper, but not from the hopper to the bottle, of saladdressing having solid ingredients with a largest dimension of up to atleast one quarter of an inch while allowing the solid ingredients totransport through the membrane and into the hopper, the membrane, whenin a closed position, is generally convex such that an apex extendsinside the hopper, wherein the membrane has a generally circular shapeformed by a plurality flaps joined together to form a circumference ofthe membrane; wherein the dispenser is adapted to allow dispensing ofthe salad dressing including the solid ingredients in the predeterminedamount from the hopper.
 15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein themembrane is adapted to allow solid ingredients entrained in saladdressing to pass therethrough and into the hopper, the membrane beingadapted to allow flow therethrough of salad dressing having solidingredients with the maximum dimension of up to at least three eighthsof an inch, the membrane not being suitable for preventing the passageof alcoholic beverages therethrough from the hopper back to the bottlewhen the bottle is shaken.
 16. A dispenser adapted for use with thickconsumable fluids having solid ingredients therein, comprising: adispenser body defining a hopper adapted to hold a predetermined amountof consumable fluid, the hopper having a first hopper end adapted to belocated distally from the bottle, the first hopper end having agenerally oval shape; a collar engaged with the dispenser body andadapted to secure the dispenser to a bottle, the collar has first andsecond collar ends, at least a portion of the hopper is located on thefirst collar end so that the at least a portion of the hopper is locatedoutside of the bottle when the dispenser is attached thereto; the hopperfurther comprises a tube that extends through the collar and is adaptedto be located within the bottle when the dispenser is attached thereto,the dispenser body flaring generally conically outwardly from the bottleto create at least a portion of a hand grip adapted to facilitatepouring salad dressing from the hopper, the tube defining a channelalong an inner surface; a membrane located on the dispenser body andpositioned to be inside of the bottle when the collar is secured to thebottle, the membrane being adapted to allow flow therethrough from thebottle to the hopper, but not from the hopper to the bottle, ofconsumable fluid having solid ingredients with a largest dimension of upto at least one quarter of an inch while allowing the solid ingredientsto transport through the membrane and into the hopper, the membrane,when in a closed position, is generally convex such that an apex extendsinside the hopper, the membrane has first and second membrane sides, thefirst membrane side having a lip positioned along the perimeter, whereinthe membrane has a generally circular shape formed by a plurality flapsjoined together to form a circumference of the membrane; a ringpositioned against the second membrane side to secure the membranewithin the channel in the tube of the hopper of the dispenser body; andwherein the dispenser is adapted to allow dispensing of the consumablefluid including the solid ingredients in the predetermined amount fromthe hopper. 17-21. (canceled)